Citroën launches new C5

In recent years Citroën has created an exceptional range of new models that have been both praised and rewarded for their visual appeal, accomplished design, environmental credentials, innovative technology and reassuring safety features.

Amongst the latest models, the C4 Picasso has become the benchmark family MPV; the C-Crosser is recognised as one of the most stylish 4x4s on the market, the C1 as one of the most environmentally friendly cars available, and the super sleek C6 heralded as one of the safest cars on the road today, as well as being one of the most distinctive looking.

Now Citroën is making business and family motoring even more alluring as it introduces the brand new C5. Benefiting from a completely new approach by Citroën’s designers, the spacious C5 is the successful combination of French flair with Teutonic-like levels of quality, coupled with the highest standards of comfort, innovation and in-car technology for which the Company is renowned.

The all-new C5 conveys a real sense of prestige, with its state-of-the-art design in a classic, thoroughbred saloon body. The C5 will strike a chord with drivers looking for a vehicle with status, stylistic individuality and the levels of performance and reliability expected of a hard-working vehicle.

Exceptionally well equipped, it comes with a long list of features that could add thousands of pounds to, or may not even be available on rivals. These include a driver’s seat massager, lane departure warning system, acoustic laminated glass, self-levelling suspension, automatic electric parking brake and directional headlights, whilst every model in the range comes with at least seven airbags, ESP with traction control, automatic air-conditioning, speed limiter, cruise control, Adaptive Front-lighting System and Citroën’s unique fixed hub steering wheel.

With its long, sleek body, sculpted lines and high waist, the C5’s striking styling gives it a true sense of status. The front of the car is characterised by large air-intakes and long incisive headlamps that flank the prominent chrome chevrons and assert the C5’s identity. From the rear, the distinctive concave window and two-part boomerang lights give it a purposeful, determined impression.

Internally the C5 offers its occupants an environment of quality, comfort and safety. Utilising the Company’s most advanced vehicle technology, the new C5 offers an involved, reassuring and satisfying driving experience, ideally suited to drivers who spend long hours on the road, or for those seeking secure transportation for their families.

Inside the cabin, the same taut, flowing lines seen on the exterior are replicated in the curvy detailing around the doors and dashboard, echoing the pursuit of quality throughout the car. Mood lighting further enhances this feeling, with ambient light glowing from the car’s doors and dashboard.

The attractive styling is exemplified by the instrument panel design, where aviation-inspired annular needles run around each of the dials, allowing an electronic display unit to be integrated in the centre of each, providing the driver with further visual information. The aircraft theme also continues with the overhead warning lights.

The new C5 is offered in a choice of three trim levels – SX, VTR+ and Exclusive and, typically for a Citroën, the C5 is extremely well specified. Cruise control and a speed limiter are fitted as standard, whilst most versions are equipped with an automatic electric parking-brake and hill-start assist. For ease of parking and pedestrian safety, the C5 is also available with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a parking gap assistance system.

With the C5 comes the extension of Citroën’s class leading technology, such as the Company’s second generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel, which puts many of the car’s main functions, including cruise control, audio and telephone, right at the driver’s finger tips. The aesthetic and ergonomic design of the wheel allows for easy access to the tactile, membrane-covered controls, ensuring focus can be maintained on the road ahead.

The model can also be specified with Citroën’s new-generation NaviDrive system, featuring a 7-inch colour central display screen and voice activation of the built-in GSM telephone, audio system and satellite navigation.

Large Citroëns are well known for providing the highest standards of occupant comfort, and the new C5 is no different, with special attention having been paid to the acoustics, suspension and seating.

The C5 features class-leading levels of soundproofing for total onboard comfort. Unlike other cars in the segment, it boasts multiple door seals, an acoustic windscreen for noise reduction and laminated side windows, which not only dampen noise, but also make the C5 one of the most secure cars on the market.

To work away the stresses of a busy day at the office and help drivers to relax on their way home, a seat back massage function is available, also ideal for business users and those toiling along ‘A’ roads – drivers are literally seated in the lap of luxury.

Offering the optimum mix of comfort and dynamics, the C5 has been developed with a choice of two suspension set-ups based on the running gear of the ultra-smooth C6 executive saloon, with double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension.

Of particular interest to the fleet and user-chooser market, the conventional spring suspension strikes an excellent balance between practicality, driving pleasure and robust road-holding; whilst Citroën’s highly acclaimed Hydractive self-levelling suspension adds additional adventure, adjusting itself continuously and intuitively according to the road, driving conditions and the driver’s motoring style, for a smooth and cosseting ride.

Drivers can also rest easy knowing that their car is not only comfortable, but extremely safe too. Citroën is renowned for producing some of the safest vehicles on the road and the new C5 is no exception. Equipped with the very latest Citroën technology, the C5 provides its occupants with reassuring levels of protection in the event of an accident. The stiffened body and cabin structure incorporate both upper and lower absorbers at the front to soak up energy released in the event of impact.

Driver and passengers are fully protected by up to nine front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a specially created torso-shaped bag which is deployed thanks to the unique Citroën-specific fixed hub steering wheel, for ultimate safety. Awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, the new C5 is one of the safest cars on the road.

Control in difficult conditions is aided by the C5’s advanced braking system – Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Braking Assistance, ABS and ESP are all fitted as standard. Citroën’s much lauded Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is also available, to warn drivers of unintentionally crossing lane markings without signalling.

As you would expect from an award-winning family car manufacturer, Citroën’s new C5 is a child friendly environment, with Isofix anchor points on up to three seats, four one-touch electric windows with an anti-pinch function and an electric child-safety lock for the rear doors and windows, all fitted as standard.

Improved visibility and safety at night is provided by the C5’s enhanced headlight system. Not only are xenon dual-function directional headlamps available, but

static AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) is standard on all models and improves visibility and safety on corners and at junctions.

Load space is abundant, thanks to the split folding rear seats, which lie completely flat, to increase boot space. Access is made even easier by the unique shape of the concave windscreen, which creates a larger boot aperture.

To meet the full range of driver needs and preferences, the new C5 is available with a wide choice of engines from launch. The petrol powerplants include 127bhp 1.8i 16V and 143bhp 2.0i 16V units, while there are four HDi diesel engines – 110bhp, 138bhp, 173bhp and V6 208 units – all fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter System that virtually eliminates particle emissions.

Embodying the many advances Citroën has made in recent years, the new C5 will more than satisfy the requirements of buyers of large cars in terms of both quality and dependability. A powerful addition to the Company’s impressive car line-up and a breath of fresh air in a market littered with anodyne rivals, the distinctive C5 ensures Citroën is strongly represented in the large family car sector.

On sale on the 2nd April 2008, the C5 saloon will be complemented by the Tourer, which will be available in the summer, offering C5 style, with added practicality.

Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director at Citroën UK, said “With the new C5 we have added a fresh dimension to the business user market, with a vehicle that offers a sophisticated driving experience exemplified by its advanced vehicle technology, uncompromising safety features and its stunning design. Our customers want and deserve the highest standards in comfort, reliability, safety, performance and style. And with the new Citroën C5 that is exactly what we are offering.”